The process of reviewing a development plan shall be as follows:
A. Administrative Reviews.
1. Pre-Application Meeting. Prior to submitting a formal application, a developer is recommended to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Planning and Development Director. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the proposed development project as it relates to zoning requirements and review standards. The developer shall provide a sketch plan for review during this meeting. The Planning and Development Director shall outline the development plan review and approval process.
2. Application Submittal. The applicant shall submit the development plan application and all required exhibits as set forth in Section 1126.06, in a format and number specified by the City on the application form. The application shall include the required fees and deposits as determined by City Council. The Planning and Development Director shall distribute the plans to obtain comments from City staff and consultants, as necessary.
3. Staff Review. The Planning and Development Director may require the applicant attend a staff review meeting based on the nature of the development being proposed. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the proposed development project, zoning requirements and review standards. The applicant may be required to submit revised exhibits, as determined in the staff review meeting.
4. Decision. Upon receipt of a final submittal, the Planning and Development Director shall review the development plan for completeness based on the requirements set forth in Section 1126.06.
a. The Planning and Development Director shall consider the development plan, comments received and the applicable standards of this ordinance and shall either approve the development plan as submitted if all applicable requirements and standards have been met; approve the development plan with conditions; or deny approval of the development plan, if applicable requirements and standards have not been met. The Planning and Development Director's review shall be based on the requirements of this chapter and, specifically, the review standards of Section 1126.07.
b. The reasons for the Planning and Development Director's action, along with any conditions that may be attached, shall be stated in writing and provided to the applicant within ten (10) business days of receipt of the final submittal.
c. If approved, two (2) copies of the development plan shall be signed and dated by the Planning and Development Director. One (1) copy shall be kept on file with the City and one (1) copy shall be returned to the applicant or his designated representative.
d. If the plan is approved with conditions, two (2) copies of the revised plan shall be submitted reflecting those conditions which will be signed by the Planning and Development Director prior to the issuance of any permits.
5. Appeals. Any request to appeal a decision made by the Planning and Development Director shall be provided to the City in writing within ten (10) business days of the date of the decision. Appeals of administrative reviews shall be made by application to the Planning and Design Commission.
B. City Council Reviews:
1. Pre-Application Meeting. Prior to submitting a formal application, a developer is required to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Planning and Development Director. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the proposed development project as it relates to zoning requirements, review standards, and any required variances or conditional uses. The developer shall provide a sketch plan for review during this meeting. The Planning and Development Director may involve other staff at his/her discretion. The Planning and Development Director shall outline the development plan review and approval process.
2. Application Submittal. The applicant shall submit the development plan application and all required exhibits as set forth in Section 1126.06, in a format and number specified by the City on the application form. The application shall include the required fees and deposits as determined by City Council.
3. Staff Review. Upon receipt of an application, the Planning and Development Director shall review the development plan for completeness against the required application materials as set forth in Section 1126.06 for development plan review. The Planning and Development Director and all applicable reviewing authorities, including but not limited to the Law Director, City Engineer, Fire Marshal and Building Commissioner, shall review the application and associated materials. The Planning and Development Director may require the applicant attend a staff review meeting based on the nature and complexity of the development being proposed.
a. If, following staff review, the application is deemed complete, it shall be placed on the next available Planning and Design Commission agenda.
b. If, following staff review, the application is deemed incomplete, the applicant shall be informed of the outstanding submittal requirements that resulted in the determination. If a complete application is not submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the Planning and Design Commission meeting in which the application is to be considered, the application will be held until all required documentation has been provided.
4. Variances. Should the development necessitate a variance, a public hearing shall be held in accordance with the notice provisions of Chapter 147 of the Codified Ordinances. A review and determination by the Building and Zoning Board of Appeals shall take place as required in Chapter 1123 prior to the development plan review by the Planning and Design Commission.
5. Planning and Design Commission Review. If a variance is not requested, a public meeting shall be held in accordance with the notice provisions of Chapter 149 of the Codified Ordinances.
a. The Planning and Development Director shall prepare a report for the Planning and Design Commission's review. The staff report and application materials shall be distributed to the Planning and Design Commission prior to the public hearing.
b. The Planning and Design Commission shall consider the development plan against the requirements of this ordinance, the review standards of this chapter and the standards for conditional use permits, if applicable. The Planning and Design Commission shall make a recommendation to City Council on the application.
6. City Council Action. City Council shall review the application, staff report and comments by members of the Planning and Design Commission and public and make a final decision on the application. City Council shall consider the development plan against the requirements of this ordinance, the review standards of this chapter and the standards for conditional use permits, if applicable.
a. If approved, two (2) copies of the development plan shall be signed and dated by the Planning and Development Director. One (1) copy shall be kept on file with the City and one (1) copy shall be returned to the applicant or his designated representative.
b. If the plan is approved with conditions, two (2) copies of the revised plan shall be submitted reflecting those conditions which will be signed by the Planning and Development Director prior to the issuance of any permits.
7. Appeals. The decision of City Council shall be final and may only be reviewed by a Court of Common Pleas, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2506 of the Ohio Revised Code.
(Ord. 2017-32. Passed 5-2-17.)